Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Fritzl Triggers Change in Austria Sex Law

His rape conviction was wiped off books as he adopted grandkids

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted May 8, 2008 7:41 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Josef Fritzl case has spurred Austrian legislators to initiate changes in sex crime laws to prevent child abuse, the BBC reports. As Fritzl kept his daughter imprisoned as a sex slave, he was granted custody for three of the children he fathered with her— despite a rape conviction. His conviction was wiped off the books after 15 years. Austria now wants to keep sex crime records for at least 30 years.

A sign reading Why is seen in front of the house in Amstetten, where 73-year-old Josef Fritzl has confessed to imprisoning his daughter for 24-years in a windowless basement cell.
A sign reading "Why" is seen in front of the house in Amstetten, where 73-year-old Josef Fritzl has confessed to imprisoning his daughter for 24-years in a windowless basement cell.   (AP Photo/Kerstin Joensson)
Residents from Amstetten hold rolls of paper with their comments and thoughts on it in support of a family who became victims of a crime of incest and abuse by Josef Fritzl.
Residents from Amstetten hold rolls of paper with their comments and thoughts on it in support of a family who became victims of a crime of incest and abuse by Josef Fritzl.   (AP Photo)
In the question of violence against children, there can be no compromises, said Austria's Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer, pictured here in a March 2008 file photo.
"In the question of violence against children, there can be no compromises," said Austria's Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer, pictured here in a March 2008 file photo.   (AP Photo/Lilli Strauss)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Echoes of Fritzl: Austrian Arrested in 40-Year Incest Case

Fritzl Cellar to Be Filled With Concrete

14-Year-Old Beaten to Death for Adultery Was Raped

Ex-Israeli President Gets 7 Years in Rape Case

East Coast Rape Suspect to Cops: What Took So Long?


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne